Officers

President : Sun Roesslein , CSFM

President Elect : Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Secretary-Treasurer : Alpha Jones , CSFM

Vice President Commercial : Erin Boyd Wilder

Directors

Academic : Chase Straw , Ph . D .

At-Large ( elected ): Kyle Patterson

At-Large ( appointed ): Lee Van Meeteren

Commercial : Warren Gorrowitz

Higher Education : Casey Carrick , CSFM

Parks and Recreation : Zack Holm , CSFM

Professional Facilities : Dan Farnes

Schools K-12 : Jeremy Driscoll , CSFM

SFMA OFFICE P . O . Box 1673 Lawrence , KS 66044 Phone : 800-323-3875 Email : SFMAInfo @ SportsFieldManagement . org www . sportsfieldmanagement . org

SFMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair : Brad Thedens , CSFM Vice Chair : TJ Brewer , CSFM Board Liaison : Chase Straw , Ph . D . Members : Matthew Arms , CSFM ; Joe Churchill ; Cliff Driver , CSFM ; Kate Garassino ; Rebecca Knapp , CSFM ; and Tony Koski .

Editor ’ s note : Throughout 2024 , members of the SFMA Board of Directors will be providing editorial content in lieu of the President ’ s Message by Sun Roesslein , CSFM . These diverse perspectives will offer additional and unique insight into SFMA and industry initiatives . This month ’ s column was written by SFMA Director of Parks and Recreation , Zack Holm , CSFM , turf care manager at the Central Park Conservancy .

The SFMA Environmental Facility Certification Program is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship within the sports field management industry . The program sets a standard for facilities to adhere to in order to minimize their environmental impact and contribute positively to their communities .

The primary objective of the program is to recognize sports facilities that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability . By implementing best practices in areas such as water conservation , energy efficiency , waste management and chemical usage , certified facilities can reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet .

The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of a facility ’ s environmental practices and policies . Sports field managers are required to complete an application detailing their current initiatives and undergo an on-site evaluation conducted by trained assessors . The assessment covers various aspects of facility operations , including turf management , irrigation systems , pesticide usage , recycling programs and community engagement efforts .

The program sets rigorous criteria for certification , ensuring that certified facilities meet high standards of environmental responsibility . These criteria are designed to promote

Zack Holm , CSFM Director of Parks and Recreation zholm @ centralparknyc . org

sustainability across all aspects of facility management , from resource conservation to pollution prevention .

Achieving certification through the program offers numerous benefits for sports facilities and their communities . Certified facilities gain recognition for their environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability , enhancing their reputation and attracting environmentally conscious stakeholders .

Beyond the direct benefits to the certified facilities , the program also has a positive impact on the broader community . By promoting environmental awareness and responsible stewardship , certified facilities inspire others to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a more resilient and eco-friendly future . Certified facilities have the opportunity to engage with their communities through outreach and education initiatives , fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among stakeholders of all ages .

The program emphasizes continual improvement , encouraging certified facilities to regularly assess and enhance their environmental performance . The certification , which must be renewed every three years , can identify opportunities for further optimization and innovation , ensuring that they remain at the forefront of environmental sustainability in the sports field management industry . SFM

sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2024 | SportsField Management

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